Evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, has urged her church members to “keep praying” as she was escorted out of court by police officers on Thursday, May 3, after receiving a 15-year prison sentence.
The emotional remark came in response to a question about what message she had for her congregation following her conviction for two counts of defrauding by false pretenses.
She was also fined GH¢300 (25 penalty units) for engaging in charlatanic advertisement. Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional 30-day jail term.
The sentencing was handed down by Her Honour Evelyn Asamoah of Circuit Court 10, who ruled that Agradaa’s actions were calculated and showed no genuine remorse.
Agradaa was arrested in October 2022 after she aired a televised advert claiming to have the spiritual power to double money. Several individuals who responded to the advertisement later reported being defrauded.
Her lawyer, Richard Asare Baffour, pleaded with the court to consider a non-custodial sentence, citing the impact on her five children — including her youngest, a three-year-old, and her eldest, a 24-year-old law student. He argued that she had shown remorse and cooperated throughout the three-year trial.
However, lead prosecutor ASP Emmanuel Haligah opposed the plea, pointing out that Agradaa had a previous conviction in 2021 for a similar offence involving the illegal operation of a TV station and the broadcast of deceptive content.
The court ultimately sided with the prosecution, describing her conduct as deliberate and unacceptable.
Agradaa, who transitioned from spiritualist to Christian evangelist in 2021, now faces a long prison term — leaving behind her church and ministry, Heaven Way Champion International.
